Archive for the ‘News’ Category
The Macallan Tasting Note Project Launches at SXSW
THE MACALLAN TASTING NOTE PROJECT TO LAUNCH AT SXSW INTERACTIVE
Single Malt Distillery Sets on Mission to Crowdsource Tasting Notes for Two Distinct Expressions
March 10, 2010 – New York: The Macallan® Single Malt Scotch has always encouraged Scotch enthusiasts and novel drinkers alike to enjoy a dram the way they want: whether it’s neat, in a cocktail, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. Now, on a mission to understand how enthusiasts experience the flavors of the world’s most renowned, The Macallan is cultivating a digital journey through select Sherry Oak and Fine Oak expressions that kicks off in Austin, Texas at SXSW Interactive 2010: The Macallan Tasting Note Project.
“The Macallan is known to be satisfyingly complex; however we’re interested to see what flavors really shine in two of our most celebrated expressions,” said Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker. “It will be exciting to witness whisky lovers in the virtual sphere unite over common tastes and less common nuances.”
The Macallan will first introduce the project in the Registrant’s Lounge at SXSW in Austin by way of Twitter. Consumers both on-site at the festival and off-site in their hometowns will be encouraged to contribute tasting notes for two of the brand’s core expressions, The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old and The Macallan Fine Oak 15 Years Old using the hashtags #Macallan12 and #Macallan15, respectively.
As these tweets are submitted, a topic cloud will be showcased live on-screen at The Macallan tasting lounge and also on The Macallan Blog, making this experience easily shareable. At the end of the week, The Macallan will be able to pinpoint the words and notes most frequently attributed to each expression. Additionally, everyone who contributes to The Macallan Tasting Note Project is entered to win a private tasting led by The Macallan Brand Ambassador for up to 10 friends in the city of his/her choice.
§ WHAT: The Macallan Tasting Note Project
§ WHEN: Friday, March 12 – Tuesday, March 16, 4-7PM
§ ON-SITE LOCATION: The Macallan Tasting Experience @ The Registrant’s Lounge
§ VIRTUAL LOCATION: Twitter
§ HASHTAGS: #Macallan12 & #Macallan15
§ GET INSPIRED: Download the videos from Gadling TV’s Travel Talk
For additional information:
Rebecca Janoff, rebeccaj@mbooth.com, @rebeccamj, 609-707-1275
Kelly Ip, kellyi@mbooth.com, @kellygene , 212-539-3287
© 2010 The Macallan Distillers Ltd. The Macallan® Scotch Whisky, 43% Alc./Vol., Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc., New York, NY. Please Savour Responsibly.
The Macallan Links of Interest
Gifting Scotch for the Holidays - The Macallan Lalique Decanter
The Macallan: Revitalizing the Summer Cocktail - A Good Problem for Scotch Whisky
The Macallan Launches Exclusive Single Malt Collection for Global Travel Retail
Twitter Tasting The Macallan - The Macallan: Enjoy the Moment with Dad
The Macallan Launches Masters of Photography Collection
The Macallan Introduces Fine & Rare Vintage 1947 for the Holidays
The Macallan & Rankin Team Up: Incredible Behind the Scenes Look
The Macallan- “The Rolls-Royce of Single Malts” - The Macallan
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
Virginians Can Raise a Toast to Spirits Tastings
Virginians Can Raise a Toast to Spirits Tastings
–Blue Law Banning Spirits Tastings at ABC Stores Goes Away–
RICHMOND, VA – In a strong move toward modernizing Virginia’s alcohol laws, Republican Governor Bob McDonnell signed legislation knocking down a decades-old ban on liquor tasting events at ABC stores, according to the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) which said the bill modernized an outdated law that had only allowed for beer and wine tastings.
House Bill 952, sponsored by Delegate S. Chris Jones, gives adult consumers the opportunity to sample up to three separate one-half ounce servings of spirits in any one calendar day at a pre-planned tasting event.
“In today’s economy it’s more important than ever to give customers the tools to make better purchasing decisions,” said DISCUS Vice President David Wojnar, noting that tastings are controlled events that must first be approved by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. “Most consumers wouldn’t purchase a nice $40-$50 bottle of Scotch if they’ve never tasted it. Repealing the ban on spirits tastings is a great, modern convenience for Virginians that ultimately helps Virginia’s bottom line.”
HB 952 passed the House on February 12 by a count of 75-17 and the Senate on February 23 by a vote of 31-9. Governor McDonnell signed the bill into law yesterday and it takes effect July 1, 2010.
Forty-three states currently allow some form of spirits tasting. Thirty-one states, including Virginia, now allow spirits tastings at off-premise establishments, Wojnar noted.
The Distilled Spirits Council is the trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the United States. Website: http://www.distilledspirits.org
Tasting Links of Interest
A Whiskey for Everyone at 11th Annual Whiskies of the World Expo
Gifting Scotch for the Holidays - Twitter Tasting The Macallan
Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch: Own It, Sip It, Network It
‘Made in Scotland’ Makes Mixing at Home a Cinch
Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky: The Expression for Father’s Day
Investing in Dad: Ardmore 30 & the Traditional Cask
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
Seven Sleeps ‘Til Lift-Off In The 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup 2010
Right now, in all corners of the globe, 24 of the world’s best bartenders are polishing their shakers, dusting off their muddlers, packing their skinniest pair of jeans and a few favorite, top secret ingredients. Yup, it’s only a week to go ‘til the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup 2010 kicks off -it’s all about ‘Love, Drinks and Rock n Roll, Baby!’.
The bartenders are about to have the experience of a lifetime, a one off chance to take part in the world’s most extreme cocktail making competition in the home of 42BELOW, New Zealand. Contestants from the New York, London, Dublin, Milan, Rome, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Wellington and Auckland will assemble in Queenstown on Monday 22nd March for four days of cocktail making and adrenalin pumping challenges. Their every move (even the dodgy dance ones) will be scrutinized by four international judges, including the recently crowned American ‘bartender of the year’ Jim Meehan. 
“For the past few years, the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup has drawn rave reviews from judges and contestants alike. After a week -long examination of each participants ability to work individually and as a team player with national bragging rights on the line, the competition pushes bartenders out of their comfort zone into real-time scenarios,” Meehan says, with a 42BELOW cocktail in his hand.
The competition will be set in some of the South Island’s most spectacular locations and includes ‘Modern Martini’, ‘Ready, Steady, Shake’ and the ‘Mocktail’ challenge. Contestants will also take part in a series of cocktail ‘summits’- educational workshops hosted by some of the most influential people in the industry. And, in true 42BELOW style, there’ll be a fair few surprises too. “This group of bartenders work at the best bars, clubs and parties around the world. We’re honoured they’re coming on tour with us in New Zealand and I know they’ll be blown away by what 42BELOW has in store for them next week,” says 42BELOW CEO Paul Dibbayawan.
From Queenstown this motley group of mixologists will head north to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, home of the country’s hippest night spots. They’ll have time to take in some of the sights, namely an oddly shaped parliament building and a few hairy hobbits. They’ll also have time to perfect their signature drink ahead of a jaw dropping grand final event on March 27th at Wellington’s Old Museum Building. The teams will take to the stage alongside real life rockers, kiwi chart toppers Midnight Youth and the winners of the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup will be crowned.
It’s a week-long party in the world’s ultimate playground, all thanks to a crazy little vodka brand from the bottom of the earth. Who would have thought? – copy courtesy 42Below Vodka
More 42Below Links of Interest
42Below Announces 2010 Cocktail World Cup Judges
Cocktail World Cup: Extreme Cocktail Competition by 42BELOW Vodka
42 Passion & Cranberry – 42 Feijoa & Lemonade – 42 Honey & Ginger
42 Kiwi & Pineapple – 42 & Tonic – Chi-Chi – Black & Blue Below
South Pacific Breeze & Garden Party Punches
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
National Puerto Rican Day Parade Gives Captain Morgan the Boot
NEW YORK, March 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, one of America’s largest outdoor events with more than 2 million participants, today announced it is terminating its relationship with the makers of Captain Morgan Rum over the company’s planned abandonment of its Puerto Rican distillery in exchange for taxpayer-funded grants of $2.7 billion that the island needs for health and educational needs.
“The corporate sponsorships of Captain Morgan and its British parent, Diageo, PLC, are no longer welcome,” announced Parade Chairperson Madelyn Lugo. Diageo’s brands, Johnny Walker, Jose Cuervo and Captain Morgan, have had a 30 year relationship with the Parade.
“This Parade is about pride and respect, and Captain Morgan has shown us neither,” she asserted. “They are abandoning us in exchange for $2.7 billion in taxpayer-funded corporate handouts that would otherwise be used to meet the educational and health needs of Puerto Rico, where 16 percent are unemployed and 1 in 3 lives below the poverty line.”
Two years ago, the U.S. Virgin Islands lured Captain Morgan to St. Croix by promising to split $6 billion in anticipated revenues from rebates of federal excise tax it expects to receive on the rum. The rebates are the principal form of federal assistance to both Territories, generating $470 million for Puerto Rico last year.
The deal has been sharply criticized by labor groups, who complain that the new distillery on St. Croix, also being financed by federal excise tax rebates, will employ at least 330 fewer workers.
Florida Republican Senator George LeMieux has announced plans to offer an amendment this week to the proposed jobs bill that will effectively scuttle the deal by tying future excise tax rebates to the respective Territories’ populations, rather than the place of production.
The National Puerto Rican Coalition, which has led the fight against the Captain Morgan deal, said today’s decision by Parade organizers will put “serious pressure” on New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. “New York represents the greatest concentration of Puerto Ricans living on the mainland,” said NPRC President Rafael Fantauzzi. “They’ll be watching to see whether their Senators stand with us, or with a British liquor company.”
SOURCE National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.
Captain Morgan Links of Interest
Creole Julep w/Captain Morgan 100 Rum – Italian Tropics w/Captain Morgan & NUVO
Diageo’s Proposed New St. Croix Location for Captain Morgan Rum
Cinnamon Toast hot cider – ‘Dem Apples Parlor Steakhouse by Ben Clemons
Captain Morgan 100 Proof – More Than a Little Captain in You
The Road to Hana cocktail
Captain Morgan Announces ‘Ultimate Pose Off II’ 2008 Champion
Reviews - Classic Cocktails - Cocktails - Bourbon Cocktails
Champagne & Bubbly Cocktails - Mocktails - Spirited
Low Calorie/Low Carb Cocktails - Shots & Shooters - Holiday Cocktails
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
A Whiskey for Everyone at 11th Annual Whiskies of the World Expo
San Francisco, CA, January 19, 2010: The Whiskies of the World Expo and Artisanal Spirits Fest today released the exciting line up of brands exhibiting at this year’s event which will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at The Hotel Nikko.
Now in its 11th year, the Whiskies of the World Expo & Artisanal Spirits Fest gathers the world’s most fascinating distilled spirits along with their makers and ambassadors to give its guests an opportunity to sample, learn and experience the art of whisky. A favorite San Francisco event, the Expo is adding new and exciting details to the evening to make sure that this is the event of the year.
From the biggest brand names to whiskies that are not even available for sale, there will be a spirit to suit everyone’s taste. In addition to incredible spirits from every corner of the world, the Expo will also feature seminars conducted by world famous Master Distillers and Brand Ambassadors. Among those giving seminars are: Steve Beal (Diageo), David Mays and Simon Brooking (Beam Global), Richard Paterson (Whyte and Mackay Ltd.), Rick Edwards (Pernod Richard), Joe Michalek (Piedmont Distillers).
Guests will also enjoy a full buffet dinner, mixology demonstrations, Celtic crafts, chocolate and fudge pairings, live music and more, including some surprises.
VIP tickets cost $120 and General Admission tickets cost $110. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.whiskiesoftheworld.com.
The List of Brands Exhibiting: Scotch whiskies (Classic Malts, Johnnie Walker; Laphroaig, Ardmore, Signatory, Isle of Skye, Benromach, Dalmore, Glenlivet, Isle of Jura, Aberlour, Scapa, Mackillop’s Choice, Tomintoul, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg ; Canadian (Canadian Club, 8 Seconds, Snake River ); Irish ( Bushmills), Whiskey and Bourbon (Bulleit, Dickel, Small Batch Bourbon, High West, Maker’s Mark, Buck Kentucky, Stranahan’s, Montana, Sazerac Whiskeys); American craft (Compass Box, moonshine from Piedmont Distillers, spirits from Bendistillery, Tuthiltown Hudson Whiskey Templeton Rye; spirits and single bottle kit from Fog’s End Distillery; Dry Fly Spirits, Old Potrero); Japan (Suntory); Finland (Balcones Baby Blue), specialty spirits (Zacapa).
More about Whiskies of the World LLC
Whiskies of the World LLC is owned by the husband and wife team of Doug and Lana Smith. The first annual Whiskies of the World Expo was held in San Francisco in 1998. Since that time it has expanded to include the Artisanal Spirits Fest which celebrates the art of craft distilling.
Whiskey Links of Interest
Gifting Scotch for the Holidays - Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch: Own It, Sip It, Network It
Beam Global Raises a “Bourbon on the Rocks” Toast
Investing in Dad: Ardmore 30 & the Traditional Cask
The Dalmore Gran Reserva: Taste the Evolution
Hitting the Maker’s Mark: Hangman’s Noose - Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Drink Recipes
Knob Creek Bourbon Drink Recipes - Peek into the Peculiar: Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Tuthilltown Spirits Baby Bourbon Whiskey Niche
Templeton Rye: Taste the Heritage, Experience “The Good Stuff”
Reviews - Classic Cocktails - Cocktails - Bourbon Cocktails
Champagne & Bubbly Cocktails - Mocktails - Spirited
Low Calorie/Low Carb Cocktails - Shots & Shooters - Holiday Cocktails
The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon
www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com
Copyright 2010 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved
